Many Godfrey residents oppose medical marijuana shops

(KMOV.com) - Medical marijuana may be legal in Illinois, but it’s clear at least one Metro East community isn’t ready for it.

The Godfrey Village Board Monday night took up zoning for potential pot farms and dispensaries. One investor is said to be interested in setting up shop in Godfrey, but many residents don’t want any part of it.

“We need to stop and think very seriously about what we’re doing here,” one woman said from the crowd at the Public Safety Committee meeting.

Beverly Roberts, the owner of Cleta’s Nutrition, addressed the board saying that accepting medical marijuana in Godfrey would be a mockery to morality and decency.

“Because this is even being considered, plans for a new building for my business have been totally halted. I’ve pulled it off the table. May God have mercy if this goes through,” Roberts concluded.

Village leaders don’t know at this point where a marijuana farm or dispensary could even go. The village attorney told board members they legally can’t keep those businesses out, but they can regulate where they can be.

The zoning issue was pushed along because of interest from an investor inquiring about setting up a pot farm in Godfrey.

Commercial Real Estate Broker Rick Lauschke said he can’t get the deal rolling until zoning rules are in place.

“Not only in Godfrey, but Alton and all the surrounding communities. (They) Need to get ahead of this and figure out how they’re going to deal with it,” said Lauschke.